Basic Function:

Methane emissions from enteric fermentation account for the majority of the Irish dairy sectors greenhouse gas emissions profile. Developing strategies to reduce methane output will be important in meeting Irish agricultures climate targets. In Irish pasture-based dairy systems, methane emissions vary with factors such as feed intake, seasonality, and pasture management. In addition, when anti-methanogenic technologies such as feed additives are applied, the methane abatement response may vary. Gaining a greater understanding of how these factors influence methane emissions under pasture-based conditions, as well as their interrelationships, will support the development of effective methane mitigation strategies.

This competition seeks to recruit a post-doctoral fellow to quantify the primary pasture effects on methane emissions and determine the methane abatement response when feed additives are used in pasture-based systems.

Background:

This post is funded by the VistaMilk Research Centre (www.vistamilk.ie). The VistaMilk Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre represents a unique collaboration between Agri-food and information communications technology research institutes and leading Irish/multinational food and ICT companies. The position will be based at the Teagasc, Animal and Grassland Research and Innovation Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co. Cork. Teagasc Moorepark is Ireland’s leading dairy research institute with national responsibility for all aspects of dairy production research which include grassland and grazing management, dairy cow breeding and reproduction, dairy cow health and welfare, milk composition and dairy cow nutrition, milking technology and milk production systems plus economic analysis. The research programme is conducted by over 30 scientific and technical professionals, supported by administrative and operative staff.  Moorepark operates a total of 7 individual dairy research farms totalling 500 hectares and over 1,000 dairy cows. Facilitates include modern individual cow feed and metabolism units, laboratories, computer facilities, milking research laboratories and pasture-based GreenFeed units for methane measurement.

The Teagasc post-doctoral programme provides training and development opportunities for early career scientists that enhances their experience of learning and equips them with the necessary skills for the next stage of their chosen career in research.  Appointees to a Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship will be required to undertake a Level 9 Professional Diploma in Researcher Development delivered by University College Dublin (UCD).

This professional diploma is a flexible, modular programme which embraces a blended learning approach to align with the Post-Doctoral Fellow's role in Teagasc.  It is designed to develop competencies and transferable skills in research, professionalism, communication and career development.  The majority of the programme is delivered online with the remaining elements delivered in-person at Teagasc locations.  This blended approach affords the Post-Doctoral Fellow the opportunity to meet and network with other Teagasc colleagues.  During the course of the diploma Post-Doctoral Fellows will have access to a full range of supports including the UCD library, writing centre and careers centre.

This is a research focused training role, the primary purpose of which is to provide early career scientists with the opportunity to develop their research skills and competencies. The Post-Doctoral Fellow will, while working in conjunction with senior research staff, gain insight and experience into a variety of areas including the processes of project and budgetary management, publishing in peer-reviewed academic journals, writing grant applications, and attracting external funding; the development of active collaboration with relevant national and international research communities; the development of communication and presentation skills, leadership and management skills, and overall career development. Modules will be conducted under the supervision and direction of the Project Leader, Ben Lahart or other designated manager in conjunction with the Head of Department. 

Gain first-hand insights into the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programme from those who've lived it.  Click here to explore their stories.

Duties & Responsibilities specific to this project:

• Develop and implement research experiments on methane mitigation strategies within grazing dairy systems.
• Collate and statistically analyse datasets.
• Interpret and publish research results in the scientific and popular press, and at conferences (nationally and internationally).
• Disseminate research findings to a variety of audiences as appropriate. 

Additional Duties & Responsibilities:

• To assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
• To comply with all relevant Teagasc policies and procedures.
• To fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations. This includes full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
• To actively participate in the Teagasc Post-Doctoral Fellowship programme and review processes, and to undertake all Post-Doctoral Fellowship training and associated duties as agreed in the Training & Development Plan.
• To take up additional duties as they may arise and be assigned by management.

This section outlines the qualifications, skills, knowledge and/or experience that the successful candidate would be required to demonstrate for successful discharge of the responsibilities of the post.  Applications will be assessed on how well candidates satisfy these criteria.

Essential

• PhD in agricultural science, environmental science or a related discipline.
• Relevant research experience not to exceed 3 years’ post-PhD.
• Research experience in grazing systems and/or animal nutrition.
• Demonstrated research and technical expertise in the design, analysis, and interpretation of data from animal field studies.
• Evidence of research activities (publications, conference presentations, awards) and future scholarly output (working papers, research proposals etc).
• An ability to collaborate with team members and PhD students to help build research knowledge and skill and to guide professional development.
• Project management, analytical, report writing and data analysis skills.
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written, presentation) with an ability to enable effective knowledge and technology transfer.
• Contribution of novel ideas, concepts, models and solutions.
• Candidates must satisfy and continue to satisfy during employment with Teagasc, legal requirements to drive unaccompanied on Irish public roads.

Desirable

• Comprehensive knowledge of the main factors influencing enteric methane output.
• Experience in setting own research agenda.
• Evidence of teamwork and collaboration with relevant partners.

Note:  Alternative location(s) may be considered solely at the discretion of Teagasc management.